Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 26
Israel Meets With Difficulties
This chapter is based on Exodus 15:22-27; 16 to 18.
From the Red Sea the people of Israel again set out on their
journey under the guidance of the pillar of cloud. They were full of
joy in their new sense of freedom, and every unhappy, complaining
thought was hushed.
But as they journeyed for three days, they could find no water.
The supply which they had taken with them was gone. There was
nothing to quench their burning thirst as they dragged wearily over
the sun-burnt plains. Moses, who was familiar with this region,
knew what the others did not: at Marah, where springs were found,
the water was unfit for use. With a sinking heart he heard the glad
shout, "Water! water!" echo along the line. Men, women, and
children joyfully hurried and crowded around the oasis, when
suddenly a cry of anguish erupted--the water was bitter!
In their despair the people blamed Moses, not remembering
that God's presence in that mysterious cloud had been leading him
as well as them. Moses did what they had forgotten to do; he called
earnestly to God for help. "And the Lord showed him a tree. When
he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet." Here God
gave the promise to Israel: "If you diligently heed the voice of the
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